HP 256 G3 User Manual
User Guide
© Copyright 2013, 2014 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro
Devices, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark
owned by its proprietor and used by
Hewlett-Packard Company under license.
Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in
the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and
Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of
the Microsoft group of companies.
The information contained herein is subject
to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty statements
accompanying such products and services.
Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.
Second Edition: February 2014
First Edition: December 2013
Document Part Number: 752220-002
Product notice
This guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
Not all features are available in all editions
of Windows. This computer may require
upgraded and/or separately purchased
hardware, drivers and/or software to take
full advantage of Windows functionality.
See
http://www.microsoft.com for details.
To access the latest user guide, go to
http://www.hp.com/support, and select your
country. Select Drivers & Downloads, and
then follow the on-screen instructions.
Software terms
By installing, copying, downloading, or
otherwise using any software product
preinstalled on this computer, you agree to
be bound by the terms of the HP End User
License Agreement (EULA). If you do not
accept these license terms, your sole
remedy is to return the entire unused
product (hardware and software) within 14
days for a full refund subject to the refund
policy of your seller.
For any further information or to request a
full refund of the price of the computer,
please contact your seller.
Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not
place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on
a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft
surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to
come into contact with the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation.
The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined
by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Starting right ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Visit the HP Apps Store ........................................................................................................................ 1
Best practices ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Fun things to do .................................................................................................................................... 1
More HP resources .............................................................................................................................. 3
2 Getting to know your computer ......................................................................................................................... 5
Finding your hardware and software information ................................................................................. 5
Locating hardware ............................................................................................................... 5
Locating software ................................................................................................................. 5
Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Display .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Top ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
TouchPad .......................................................................................................................... 10
Lights ................................................................................................................................. 11
Button ................................................................................................................................ 12
Keys ................................................................................................................................... 13
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 14
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 15
3 Connecting to a network ................................................................................................................................. 16
Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 16
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 16
Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 16
Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 17
Sharing data and drives and accessing software .............................................................. 17
Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 17
Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 18
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 18
Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 18
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 18
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 19
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............................................................ 19
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ..................................................... 20
v
Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 20
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 20
4 Enjoying entertainment features ..................................................................................................................... 22
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 22
Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 23
Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 24
Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 24
Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 24
Connecting headphones and microphones ....................................................................... 24
Testing your audio features ............................................................................................... 24
Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Connecting video devices by using a VGA cable (select models only) ............................. 26
Connecting video devices by using an HDMI cable ........................................................... 27
Setting up HDMI audio ...................................................................................... 27
Discovering and connecting to Miracast-compatible wireless displays (select models
only) ................................................................................................................................... 28
5 Navigating the screen ..................................................................................................................................... 29
Using the TouchPad and gestures ..................................................................................................... 29
Tapping .............................................................................................................................. 30
Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 30
2-finger pinch zoom ........................................................................................................... 31
2-finger click ....................................................................................................................... 31
Rotating (select models only) ............................................................................................ 32
Flicking (select models only) .............................................................................................. 32
Edge swipes ...................................................................................................................... 33
Right-edge swipe .............................................................................................. 33
Left-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 33
Top-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 34
Using touch screen gestures (select models only) ............................................................................. 34
One-finger slide ................................................................................................................. 34
Tapping .............................................................................................................................. 35
Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 36
2-finger pinch zoom ........................................................................................................... 36
Rotating (select models only) ............................................................................................ 37
Edge swipes ...................................................................................................................... 37
Right-edge swipe .............................................................................................. 37
Left-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 37
Top-edge swipe and bottom-edge swipe .......................................................... 38
vi
Using the keyboard and mouse .......................................................................................................... 39
Using the keys ................................................................................................................... 39
Using the action keys ........................................................................................ 39
Using Windows shortcut keys ........................................................................... 40
Using the hot keys ............................................................................................. 40
Using the integrated numeric keypad ................................................................................ 40
6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................. 41
Initiating Sleep and Hibernation ......................................................................................................... 41
Intel Rapid Start Technology (select models only) ............................................................ 41
Manually initiating and exiting Sleep .................................................................................. 41
Manually initiating and exiting Hibernation (select models only) ....................................... 42
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 42
Using the power meter and power settings ........................................................................................ 42
Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 43
Factory-sealed battery ....................................................................................................... 43
Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 43
Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 44
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 44
Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 44
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................................. 45
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ........................ 45
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ..................... 45
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation ....... 45
Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 45
Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 45
Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 46
Running on external AC power .......................................................................................................... 46
Troubleshooting power problems ...................................................................................... 46
Refreshing your software content with Intel Smart Connect Technology (select models only) .......... 47
Shutting down (turning off) the computer ........................................................................................... 47
Hybrid Graphics and AMD Dual Graphics (select models only) ......................................................... 48
Using Hybrid Graphics (select models only) ...................................................................... 48
Using AMD Dual Graphics (select models only) ................................................................ 49
7 Maintaining your computer .............................................................................................................................. 50
Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 50
Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 50
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 50
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 51
Updating programs and drivers .................................
......................................................................... 51
vii
Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 51
Cleaning procedures .......................................................................................................... 51
Cleaning the display (All-in-Ones or Notebooks) .............................................. 52
Cleaning the sides or cover ............................................................................... 52
Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse ................................................... 52
Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 52
8 Securing your computer and information ........................................................................................................ 54
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 54
Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 55
Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 55
Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 55
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 56
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 56
Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 56
Installing critical security updates ...................................................................................... 56
Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 56
Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 57
Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 57
Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 57
9 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ............................................................ 58
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 58
Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 58
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 58
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 59
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ...................................................................................... 59
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device ............................... 60
10 Backing up, restoring, and recovering .......................................................................................................... 61
Creating recovery media and backups ............................................................................................... 61
Creating HP Recovery media ............................................................................................ 61
Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 62
Recovering using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................................... 63
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 63
Using the HP Recovery partition (select models only) ...................................... 63
Using HP Recovery media to recover ............................................................... 64
Changing the computer boot order ................................................................... 64
Removing the HP Recovery partition (select models only) .......
......................................... 64
viii
11 Specifications ................................................................................................................................................ 65
Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 65
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 65
12 Electrostatic Discharge ................................................................................................................................. 66
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 67
ix
x
1 Starting right
This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. Read this
chapter to learn about best practices after you set up your computer, fun things to do with your
computer, and where to find additional HP resources.
Visit the HP Apps Store
The HP Apps Store offers a wide choice of popular games, entertainment and music apps,
productivity apps, and apps exclusive to HP that you can download to the Start screen. The selection
is updated regularly and includes regional content and country-specific offers. Be sure to check the
HP Apps Store frequently for new and updated features.
IMPORTANT: You must be connected to the Internet to access the HP Apps Store.
To view and download an app:
1. From the Start screen, select the Store app.
2. Select HP picks to view all the available apps.
3. Select the app you want to download, and then follow the on-screen instructions. When the
download is complete, the app appears on the All apps screen.
Best practices
After you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps to get the most out of
your smart investment:
If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in
●
to a network on page 16.
Take a minute to browse the printed
●
features.
Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. For more information, see
●
know your computer on page 5 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 22.
Update or purchase antivirus software. Learn more at
●
Back up your hard drive by creating recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. See
●
restoring, and recovering on page 61.
Fun things to do
You know that you can watch a YouTube video on the computer. But did you know that you can
●
also connect your computer to a TV or gaming console? For more information, see
video devices by using an HDMI cable on page 27.
You know that you can listen to music on the computer. But did you know that you can also
●
stream live radio to the computer and listen to music or talk radio from all over the world? See
Using audio on page 24.
Windows Basics
Connecting
guide to explore the new Windows
Getting to
Using antivirus software on page 56.
Backing up,
Connecting
Visit the HP Apps Store 1
You know that you can create a powerful presentation with Microsoft applications. But did you
●
know you can also connect to a projector to share your ideas with a group? See
video devices by using a VGA cable (select models only) on page 26.
Use the TouchPad and the new Windows touch gestures for smooth control of images and
●
pages of text. See
Using the TouchPad and gestures on page 29.
Connecting
2 Chapter 1 Starting right
More HP resources
You have already used
Setup Instructions
to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locate
resources that provide product details, how-to information, and more, use this table.
Resource Contents
Setup Instructions
Windows Basics
Help and Support
To access Help and Support, from the Start screen,
type help, and then from the Search window, select
Help and Support. For U.S. support, go to
http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP. For worldwide
support, go to
wwcontact_us.html.
Worldwide support
To get support in your language, go to
http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/
wwcontact_us.html.
guide
http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/
Safety & Comfort Guide
To access this guide:
1. From the Start screen, type support, and then
select the HP Support Assistant app.
2. Select My computer, and then select User
guides.
Overview of computer setup and features
●
Overview of using Windows®
●
A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips
●
Online chat with an HP technician
●
Support telephone numbers
●
HP service center locations
●
Proper workstation setup
●
Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your
●
comfort and decrease your risk of injury
Electrical and mechanical safety information
●
‒ or –
Go to
http://www.hp.com/ergo.
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices
To access this guide:
From the Start screen, type support, and then
▲
select the HP Support Assistant app.
Limited Warranty
To access this guide:
1. From the Start screen, type support, and then
select the HP Support Assistant app.
2. Select My computer, and then select Warranty
and services.
– or –
Go to
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments.
*You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the user guides on your
computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. In some countries/regions, HP may provide a printed HP Limited
Warranty in the box. For countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed
copy from
North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID 83714, USA
●
Europe, Middle East, Africa: Hewlett-Packard, POD, Via G. Di Vittorio, 9, 20063, Cernusco s/Naviglio (MI), Italy
●
*
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal
●
information
Specific warranty information about this computer
●
More HP resources 3
Resource Contents
Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507
●
When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your
service label), name, and postal address.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For U.S. support, go to
contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
http://www.hp.com/go/
4 Chapter 1 Starting right
2 Getting to know your computer
Finding your hardware and software information
Locating hardware
To find out what hardware is installed on your computer:
1. From the Start screen, type control panel, and then select Control Panel.
2. Select System and Security, select System, and then click Device Manager in the left column.
A list displays all the devices installed on your computer.
To find out information about system hardware components and the system BIOS version number,
press fn+esc.
Locating software
To find out what software is installed on your computer:
From the Start screen, click the down arrow in the lower-left corner of the screen.
▲
Front
Component Description
Memory card reader Reads optional memory cards that store, manage,
share, or access information.
To insert a card:
Hold the card label-side up, with connectors facing
the slot, insert the card into the slot, and then push
in on the card until it is firmly seated.
To remove a card:
Pull the card out of the slot.
Finding your hardware and software information 5
Right side
Component Description
(1)
(2) Optical drive (select models only) Depending on your computer model, reads an
(3) Optical drive eject button (select
USB 2.0 ports (2) Connect an optional USB device, such as a
keyboard, mouse, external drive, printer, scanner or
USB hub.
optical disc or reads and writes to an optical disc.
NOTE: For disc compatibility information, go to the
Help and Support web page (see
resources on page 3). Follow the web page
instructions to select your computer model. Select
Drivers & Downloads, and then follow the on-screen
instructions.
Releases the disc tray.
models only)
More HP
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Left side
Component Description
(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a
deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from being
mishandled or stolen.
(2)
(3) AC adapter light
(4) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
(5)
(6)
(7)
Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
White: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is
●
charged.
Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the battery
●
is charging.
Off: The computer is using battery power.
●
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool
internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal
for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine
operation.
External monitor port (select models only) Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a
high-definition television, any compatible digital or audio
component, or a high-speed HDMI device.
RJ-45 (network) jack/status lights Connects a network cable.
White: The network is connected.
●
Amber: Activity is occurring on the network.
●
(8)
(9)
USB 3.0 port Connects an optional USB device, such as a keyboard,
Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in
(microphone) jack
mouse, external drive, printer, scanner or USB hub.
Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,
earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable. Also
connects an optional headset microphone. This jack does
not support optional microphone-only devices.
Left side 7
Component Description
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust
the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a
headset. For additional safety information, refer to the
Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices
this guide, from the Start screen, type support, and then
select the HP Support Assistant app.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the
computer speakers are disabled.
NOTE: Be sure that the device cable has a 4-conductor
connector that supports both audio-out (headphone) and
audio-in (microphone).
. To access
(10)
(11)
Hard drive light Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
Power light
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-
●
saving state. The computer shuts off power to the
display and other unneeded components.
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation
●
is a power-saving state that uses the least amount of
power.
NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start
Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid Start
Technology allows your computer to resume quickly from
inactivity. For more information, see
Hibernation on page 41.
Initiating Sleep and
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Display
Component Description
(1) WLAN antennas (1 or 2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
local area networks (WLANs).
(2) WWAN antennas (1 or 2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
wide area networks (WWAN).
(3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(4) Webcam Records video and captures photographs. Some models allow
you to video conference and chat online using streaming video.
To use the webcam, from the Start screen, type camera, and
then select Camera from the list of applications.
(5) Internal microphone Records sound.
(6) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed
while the power is on.
NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the
outside of the computer.
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately
around the antennas free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the
Environmental Notices
and then select the HP Support Assistant app.
that applies to your country or region. To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support,
Regulatory, Safety, and
Display 9
Top
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad zone Reads your finger gestures to move the pointer or activate
items on the screen.
NOTE: The TouchPad also supports edge-swipe gestures.
For more information, see
Edge swipes on page 33.
(2) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(3) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Lights
Component Description
(1)
(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital
(3)
(4)
Power light
Mute light
Wireless light On: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-
●
saving state. The computer shuts off power to the
display and other unneeded components.
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation
●
is a power-saving state that uses the least amount of
power.
letters.
Amber: Computer sound is off.
●
Off: Computer sound is on.
●
area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is
on.
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when
all wireless devices are off.
Top 11
Button
Component Description
Power button
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on
●
the computer.
When the computer is on, press the button briefly to
●
initiate Sleep.
When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the
●
button briefly to exit Sleep.
When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button
●
briefly to exit Hibernation.
CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button
will result in the loss of unsaved information.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows®
shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the
power button down for at least 5 seconds to turn off the
computer.
NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start
Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid Start
Technology allows your computer to resume quickly from
inactivity. For more information, see
Hibernation on page 41.
To learn more about your power settings, see your power
options. From the Start screen, type power, select Power
and sleep settings, and then select Power and sleep from
the list of applications.
Initiating Sleep and
12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Keys
Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination
with the fn key.
(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed
in combination with the spacebaror the esc key.
(3)
(4) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.
(5) num lk key Alternates between the navigational and numeric functions
(6) Integrated numeric keypad When num lk has been enabled, it can be used like an
Windows key Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or the
Windows desktop.
NOTE: Pressing the Windows key again will return you to
the previous screen.
on the integrated numeric keypad.
NOTE: The keypad function that is active when the
computer is turned off is reinstated when the computer is
turned back on.
external numeric keypad. To alternate between this
numeric function and the navigational function (indicated by
the directional arrows on the keys), press the num lk key.
Top 13
Bottom
Component Description
(1)
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) Vent Enable airflow to cool internal components.
(4)
(5) Speaker openings (2) Produce sound.
Battery lock and unlock latch Locks and unlocks the battery in the battery bay.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to
cool internal components and prevent overheating. It
is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during
routine operation.
Battery release latch Releases the battery.
14 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
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